The Perfect Itinerary for a Caribbean Escape
Whether you’re sneaking away for a long weekend or looking to add a few relaxing days to your Riviera Maya trip, Akumal is the ideal spot for a 3-day tropical escape. Famous for its peaceful beaches, sea turtles, and laid-back charm, Akumal offers just the right blend of nature, adventure, and downtime.
Here’s your perfect 3-day Akumal itinerary — complete with insider tips, must-do experiences, and links to help you plan with ease.
🐢 Day 1: Welcome to Paradise
Morning – Arrive & Settle In
Check in to your hotel, boutique villa, or beach resort. Whether you’re staying in a luxury suite at Secrets Akumal or a cozy condo near Half Moon Bay, today is about slowing down and sinking into island time.
🔗 Not sure where to stay? Check out our handpicked Akumal lodging options here
Afternoon – Hit the Beach & Snorkel with Turtles
Akumal Bay is famous for its resident sea turtles, which you can often spot just a few meters offshore. Rent snorkel gear or book a guided swim to see them up close (along with rays and colorful fish).
Pro Tip: Mornings are best for snorkeling — the water is calm and the crowds are smaller.
Evening – Dinner with a View
Head to Lol-Ha Restaurant for dinner on the sand. Order fresh ceviche, sip a margarita, and toast your first sunset in paradise.
🏝️ Day 2: Adventure Meets Relaxation
Morning – Explore Local Cenotes
Start the day with a refreshing dip in one of the area’s many cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes). Cenote Yal-Kú, located right in Akumal, is a serene spot perfect for snorkeling or floating through otherworldly beauty.
Want something more adventurous? Venture 15–30 minutes out to explore Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Azul.
Afternoon – Lunch + Explore the Town
Grab lunch at Taverna Akumal or a casual café near the beach. Afterward, stroll around the village shops for local crafts, art, and souvenirs. Stop by Akumal Monkey Sanctuary if you’re traveling with kids or love wildlife.
🔗 Discover more unique activities on our Explore Akumal page
Evening – Sunset Beach Walk & Dinner Under the Stars
Walk the shoreline from Half Moon Bay to Akumal Bay just before dusk — it’s peaceful, romantic, and breathtaking. For dinner, try La Lunita, a hidden beachfront favorite perfect for couples and quiet evenings.
🌅 Day 3: A Little Culture, A Lot of Chill
Morning – Visit Tulum’s Ruins or the Sian Ka’an Reserve
Take a short drive (about 25 minutes) to Tulum’s coastal ruins, where ancient Mayan temples overlook the turquoise sea. Go early to beat the heat and crowds.
Alternatively, for a nature-based experience, book a half-day tour to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected natural wonder filled with lagoons, wildlife, and boat rides through the mangroves.
Afternoon – Relax by the Water
After your outing, spend your last afternoon relaxing by the pool, getting a beach massage, or enjoying a cocktail at a beach bar. This is your time to soak it all in.
Evening – Farewell Dinner & Drinks
For your final meal, go upscale at your resort or revisit a favorite from the previous days. Then, take one last moonlit walk on the beach — because nothing says Akumal like the sound of waves under a starry sky.
✨ Optional Add-Ons:
• Yoga on the beach (many hotels offer morning sessions)
• Private catamaran tours to nearby snorkel spots or lagoons
• Scuba diving trips if you’re certified — the reef just offshore is stunning
• Couples spa treatments for the ultimate in relaxation
Plan Your Akumal Getaway with Ease
This 3-day itinerary gives you the perfect mix of adventure, rest, and Caribbean magic — but Akumal’s charm is that you can tailor your trip to fit your style.
🔗 Ready to build your trip? Explore more local tips, hidden gems, and recommended activities on our Akumal Explore page or find your perfect place to stay on our Akumal Stay page